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Alternative network operator Elevate, which back in April 2025 won the contract to build a new “hyperfast” full fibre broadband network in the Merseyside (England) town of St Helens (here), has today confirmed that they’ve completed the roll-out in the town centre – paving the way for local residents and businesses to get faster internet speeds and better reliability.
The new network, which was supported by £2.5 million of funding from the previous Government’s £3.6bn Town Fund Programme (details), is being built by Elevate’s own engineers on behalf of the St Helens Borough Council and its Digital Infrastructure Programme. “The network will significantly increase internet speeds and reliability for residents and businesses across the Town Centre,” said Elevate’s original announcement.
Elevate, St Helens Borough Council and the St Helens Town Deal Board now intend to host an official launch event for the new full fibre network at the BrewDog Stadium on 12th March 2026. Local businesses are invited to hear presentations and take part in discussions on how to make the most of high-speed, reliable internet, and learn how the project is helping to boost the local economy and attract inward investment.
Dedicated business WiFi and cyber clinics will also be deployed to provide the opportunity to speak directly with WiFi and cyber security experts, learn more about the project’s social value initiatives, and network with other local businesses etc.
Councillor Keith Laird, Cabinet Member for People, Performance and IT, said:
“We’re thrilled to report that the network’s now live, and both businesses and residents across the town centre can now start to realise its benefits. This essential digital infrastructure will help to make us one of the most digitally connected towns in the region.”
Andy Tatlock, Chief Revenue Officer at Elevate, said:
“Taking the network from contract to completion in less than a year is a proud moment for everyone involved in the project, and due in no small part to the close working relationship between Elevate, St Helens Borough Council and infrastructure and programme delivery experts, the Founds Group.
This new digital infrastructure will give local businesses the speed, reliability and resilience they need to plan and scale confidently; unlocking opportunity, attracting investment and helping businesses across St Helens thrive.”
The deployment itself adopted a “Dig Once” strategy, which typically reflects the wide reuse of existing cable ducts, street furniture and other infrastructure to run new fibre (i.e. reducing the need for new street works). Projects like this tend to focus on building a full fibre network to connect local public sector sites and businesses, rather than individual homes, although the latter may often follow via additional private investment.
We should point out that the central part of the town is already partly covered by gigabit-capable broadband from Openreach (BT) and Virgin Media (inc. nexfibre), with outer areas also being reached by various alternative networks.